Spring 2012 NOW Quarterly Magazine

NOW The Music Hall’s Quarterly Magazine

Spring 2012

Portsmouth Singer Songwriter Festival Legends, Stars & Up-and-Comers April 20-22 pages 8 & 9

Headliner Merle Haggard

21st Annual Kitchen Tour, May 5 in New Castle, NH

I am a "Spring helper." I smash ice puddles with my heels, I plant a garden, I fly a kite.

There is an urge to do something fresh, find out what’s new, and explore the world in bud.

This season at The Music Hall we are all Spring helpers, from hearing the hilarious social observations of Sandra Bernhard to seeing what’s new in kitchen design on our celebrated Kitchen Tour. I hope you’ll relish inviting friends to our first Portsmouth Singer Songwriter Festival, this year celebrating Americana music. Check out our bookend stars: Country Hall of Fame legend Merle Haggard, and Rosanne Cash, the Grammy Award-winning country rocker. Enjoy Newport Folk Festival hipsters Brown Bird, O’Death, and the amazing Felice Brothers. Discover our own Portsmouth duo, The Farthest Forests, move to the rockabilly of Elsa Cross, relish the sounds of the sweet funny Lucy Wainwright Roche (yes, another second generation artist), and have a blast at a Round Robin of Seacoast singersongwriters. More firsts this Spring: we’re introducing chamber music in the Loft with the Andover Chamber Music ensemble, and Innovation and Leadership Forums for our sponsors. By May, the flowers will be up and the literary stars will be aligning with Erik Larson and his mesmerizing nonfiction book, In the Garden of Beasts, and with Dan Brown and our benefit with NHPR for Writers on a New England Stage. Let’s celebrate, together, as we continue to be all things Spring to one another.

PATRICIA LYNCH

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/PUBLISHER

“Join us

for a sparkling season of firsts this Spring”

Patricia Lynch photo: PernoldPhoto.com

NOW

Kitchen Tour photo: www.gregwestphotography.com

spring

.

Spring 2012

March / April / MAy

2 Contributors 3 New Shows On Sale 4 Film Matters

Members buy tickets first!

Chris Curtis gives us the backstory on

this series, and what not to miss

on screen this season!

5 March Show Listings 6 March Show Listings

Sponsor News

Features

Contents

Our new Innovation & Leadership Initiative presents Ruth Mott on Coaching for Success

11 Insider's Itinerary

How to make the most of the Singer

Songwriter Festival weekend

April Show Listings

12

April Show Listings

Merle Haggard:

13 5 Things You Didn't Already

Know About Ron White

April Show Listings

page 10

14

Kitchens We Love The 21st Annual Kitchen Tour comes

Films You Can't See

to New Castle on May 5

15 Kitchen Design Tips + Trends

Editor's Picks

Anywhere Else...

7 Community Partner Spotlight 16 May Show Listings

Spring's Community 17 May Celebrates

Partner Picks

Page 4

8 Portsmouth Singer

Songwriter Festival

Introducing a sensational weekend

celebrating Americana music .

9 Festival Lineup

23 Legends, Stars & Up-and-Comers!

10 Merle Haggard: A Life to

Write About

ThÊrèse LaGamma

The country music star opens up to

Trends

Members

Member Snapshot

in Kitchen Design

18 Seen @ The Music Hall

Spotted at our Pop-Up Market Our Year with AIR Arts In Reach Executive Director Virginia

Skevington on mentoring through the arts

19 Box Office & Membership Info 20 At a Glance 2011-2012 season index of shows

Kitchen Tour photo: www.gregwestphotography.com

The 18th Annual Spotlight Awards, April 19!

with Scott Purswell of Dovetailed Kitchens page 15

TheMusicHall.org

NOW

1

CONTRIBUTORS Chris Curtis (Programming Coordinator) lives in Southern Maine with his wife and wee children. In addition to his work at The Music Hall, Chris also enjoys acting with various Seacoast NH theatre groups and making music, mostly for his children and terrier.

NOW magazine Publisher Patricia Lynch, Executive Director Editorial Director Kathleen Soldati, Director of Marketing Editor Regina Baraban

Lauren Lenox Maguire has worked in development at The Music Hall for three years as the Membership Manager. She also assisted with coordinating the Treasure the Future Capital Campaign and works as a volunteer committee member for Seacoast Local's H(EAT) campaign. As a very happy newlywed, Lauren still isn't sure what her last name is, so she has two.

As President and lead designer for Dovetailed Kitchens, Scott Purswell has been designing kitchens and baths for the last 30 years. His work has been featured in numerous national and regional magazines, as well as many wonderful homes locally and across New England. He is thrilled to be a member of the Music Hall’s 2012 Kitchen Tour Committee.

Contributing Editor Margaret Talcott, Associate Producer, Writers' Series Creative Director Andree Van Oss, Graphic Design & Print Publications Manager Design Consultants SharpeWorks Strategic Design Marketing Associate Kaitlyn Huwe Music Hall Board of Directors

Virginia P. Skevington brings a background in business, fundraising, and politics to Arts in Reach, which she joined as Executive Director last October. Since its advent in 1997, AIR’s mission has been to empower young women through mentoring and the arts.

Visit artsinreach.org to learn more.

Executive Committee David Hills – President Jo Lamprey – Vice President Harry A. Schult – Treasurer Barbara Henry – Secretary Danny O’Brien – Executive Committee Member-at-Large

J.L. Stevens has been the editor of Seacoast Media Group’s Spotlight magazine since 2002. That, along with her duties for Seacoast Media’s Kisses & Disses and Random Acts of Poetry, keep her one very happy member of the Fourth Estate. She can be reached at jstevens@seacoastonline.com.

NOW is a quarterly publication of The Music Hall, a 501c3 nonprofit managed by a professional staff with the assistance of a volunteer board. Two theaters located on a downtown Portsmouth, New Hampshire campus feature curated entertainment from around the world—the 900-seat landmark Historic Theater, and the 124-seat intimate Music Hall Loft. The Music Hall operates independently with the support of 3,000 members, 300 business supporters, and 40 community partners. Welcoming more than 100,000 patrons (including 20,000 children) each year from New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, and beyond, The Music Hall is the region’s center for the performing arts, literature, and education…easy to get to, impossible to forget.

Season Sponsor:

Thanks to:

Board Members Ben Auger Geoffrey E. Clark, M.D. Betsy Cole Debra Weiss Ford Brook Gassner Robert W. Hickey, M.D. Angelynne Koromilas Hinson Ann Kendall Philip Marcus Jay McSharry Albert Morales Jeffrey Mountjoy Kate Murray Elisabeth Robinson Jennifer Shulman David Splaine Toby Stowe, CPA Ex Officio Jameson French Patricia Lynch

2

NOW

(603) 436-2400

NEW SHOWS ON SALE! The Felice Brothers Community Partner Kent Stephens' Stage Force Presents

Portsmouth Singer-Songwriter Festival

March 2 - 18, 2012 PAGE 5

The felice brothers THE Farthest Forests BROWN BIRD • o'death*

Community Partner PSO Presents

April 21, 2012 PAGE 9

BURN THIS

Brahms, TCHAIKOVSKY, BERLIOZ March 11, 2012

Portsmouth Singer-Songwriter Festival

Round robin in the Loft* April 22, 2012

PAGE 9

Community Partner PMAC Presents Portsmouth Singer-Songwriter Festival

PMAC JAzz Night

Lucy Wainwright Roche

Rosanne Cash*

March 23, 2012

April 22, 2012 Community Partner The Wire Presents

RPM Challenge

PAGE 9

Community Partner Jazzmouth Presents

JAZZMOUTH

March 24, 2012

April 28, 2012 PAGE 13

Community Partner RAIN Presents

A BENEFIT CONCERT FEATURING Bombino April 5, 2012 PAGE 11 Writers in the Loft

Stay in the know - sign up for e-news!

JAMES B. Stewart*

The Music Hall Presents

Andover Chamber Music* April 29, 2012 PAGE 13

Writers in the Loft: James B. Stewart

The Music Hall Presents

Ben Baldwin & The Big NOTE* May 12, 2012 PAGE 16

April 12, 2012 PAGE 12

A Benefit for Writers on a New England Stage Hilarity @ The Music Hall

Ron White

DAN BROWN* May 18, 2012 PAGE 16

April 18, 2012 PAGE 12 Rental Partner Seacoast Media Group Presents

Spotlight Awards April 19, 2012

Portsmouth Singer-Songwriter Festival

Merle Haggard* & THE Strangers

Writers on a New England Stage

ANNA QUINDLEN* May 23, 2012 PAGE 16 Hilarity @ The Music Hall

IRISH COMEDY TOUR* June 1 & 2, 2012

April 20, 2012 PAGE 9 Writers in the Loft Portsmouth Singer-Songwriter Festival

ELSA CROSS & LUCY WAINWRIGHT ROCHE* April 21, 2012

PAGE 9

Alison Bechdel* June 14, 2012

Shows marked with an asterisk (*) go on sale to members Feb. 22 and to nonmembers March 7. All other shows on sale now. For Rental & Community Partner

ticket sale dates, visit TheMusicHall.org.

Met @ The Music Hall fans! Watch for titles

and on sale dates for the 2012-2013 opera broadcast season to be announced in February!

TheMusicHall.org

NOW

3

Join us for Film Matters: Mother: Caring for 7 Billion on May 24

EXPLORE + LEARN

Programming coordinator Chris Curtis (below, right) talks to NOW Editor Regina Baraban about why people are coming out in droves for The Music Hall’s new Film Matters series, and how meaningful movies and conversation create a thriving home for the Seacoast’s vibrant film community.

Fri., March 2 • 7pm Film Matters: The Love of Beer A documentary celebrating women in the craft beer industry, in affiliation with Portsmouth Beer Week Fri., March 30 • 7pm Film Matters: Agadez in affiliation with RAIN for the Sahel & Sahara Fri., April 13 • 7pm Wildcard Movie: Wild and Scenic Film Festival on Tour in affiliation with Southeast Land Trust of New Hampshire Thurs., April 26 • 7pm Screen Classic: Manchurian Candidate with soundtrack composer David Amram to speak after (in affiliation with Jazzmouth) Wed., May 2 • 7pm Wildcard Movie: El Bulli: Cooking in Progress in affiliation with The Kitchen Tour Thurs., May 24 • 7pm Film Matters: Mother: Caring for 7 Billion (a population documentary, pictured above) 4

NOW

(603) 436-2400

NOW: Have Wildcard Movies gone away?

CC: No, we don’t want to let those "rare, random and relevant" films slip by—we still show them eight to 12 times a year.

NOW: What hot topics do you look for when you put on your business hat to select a Film Matters movie?

CC: Education, health, the environment, and others. Local community organizations sometimes bring films to our attention, and so we may present a Film Matters evening in affiliation with these groups. Sustainability is such a hot topic that we’ve created a new "Green Screen" stamp to help people identify films about the subject.

NOW: Why do Film Matters movies pack the house?

CC: The appeal is about folks coming together in what we sometimes call the “Seacoast great room”—think of The Music Hall environment as a giant living room—to get energized and speak their minds. People in our community love to get together and share ideas. After seeing a film, their reaction is: "This film has rattled my brain, now what can I do?" The experts we bring in for panel discussions provide takeaways on how to get involved locally, and recommendations on resources to learn more—from a favorite website to a newsletter, from a blog to a book.

NOW: What do you like best about curating the Film Matters series?

CC: What often comes to mind with this series is the way in which film can open people’s minds in the way no other medium can. It is a total immersion of sight and sound—of story, character, music. It is a multimedia experience that helps us to intellectually step outside of ourselves while watching the film. We go to another place when the film fills the screen. It invigorates our thought process and evokes emotion.

The experience can create a place of openness for the discussion that follows.

Chris Curtis photo: Michael Winters Photography

ON SCREEN PICKS

NOW: What is the concept of the new Film Matters series?

CC: Film Matters sprung out of our Wildcard series, “rare, random, and relevant” films that served the need in our community for art film, independent film, documentaries, and foreign films; often followed by panel discussions.

They drew big audiences, and it became clear that documentaries about issues of the day really resonated with people and took on a life of their own. So we decided it was time to give these lifestyle films their own series, with a more relevant subtitle—Film Matters: Global Issues, Local Resources—while continuing post-film panel discussions with local subject-matter experts.

National theater of London Hd Broadcast Comedy of errors

"A comic delight."

— THE TELEGRAPH

Saturday, March 3 • 1pm • The Historic Theater • Tickets: $27.50

On one crazy day, two sets of twins separated at birth end up in the same city without meeting, as multiple mistaken identities lead to confusion on a grand scale. Shakespeare’s furiously paced comedy will be staged in a contemporary world into which walk three prohibited foreigners who see everything for the first time.

SERIES SPONSOR: Seatrade International, Inc.

ALTAN

Friday, March 9 • 8pm • The Historic Theater • Tickets: $34; $28

"The hottest group in the Celtic realm."

— BOSTON GLOBE

The most talked-about traditional group to emerge from Ireland, Altan plays the music of Donegal, Northern Ireland and Scotland.

Propelled by the acclaimed vocals of Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh and backed by double fiddle, flute, guitar, accordion, and bouzouki, Altan seamlessly blends dazzling instrumental prowess with gorgeously delicate vocals.

EVENING SPONSORS: GreenPages; Leone, McDonnell & Roberts, P.A., Certified Public Accountants

Hilarity @ the music hall I Love Being Me, Don't You? Featuring Sandra Bernhard

"A living, breathing bonfire."

— NEW YORK TIMES

Saturday, March 10 • 8pm • The Historic Theater • Tickets: $58, $52 “Give the dame her due,” writes the New York Times, “It’s invigorating to be in the presence of a true original.” Comedienne, actress, singer, songwriter, author, television host, creator of several one-woman shows, she is “a performer of stunning originality – funny but foxy, super smart and slightly mad!” (WCBS) Don’t miss her Music Hall debut!

SERIES SPONSORS: WHEB; Kennebunk Savings Bank

EVENING SPONSORS: Carpe Diem Coffee Roasting Company; MoJo’s BBQ Grill & Tavern; The Oar House

KENT STEPHENS' STAGE FORCE Presents Lanford Wilson's Burn This

March 2-18 (Thursdays at 7:30pm, Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 8pm with a 3pm matinee on 3/17, Sundays at 2pm)

The Music Hall Loft • Tickets: Thurs. $26; Fri. $28; Sat. $30; Sun. $30 Anna loses her best friend Robbie in a tragic accident. Then a man shows up on her doorstep who could be his double – but is different in every other way. Robbie’s brother Pale is a walking maelstrom of grief, energy, and passion. He’s everything Anna is sure she shouldn’t want – which is probably why she can’t resist him. This work rockets between hilarity, pain, and desire as it tells the story of two people falling in love for all the wrong reasons.

TheMusicHall.org TheMusicHall.org

NOW 1 NOW 5

"...every last sonic detail."

— PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER

Intimately Yours: GET THE LED OUT

Friday, March 23 • 8pm • The Historic Theater • Tickets: $32, $25 At sold out shows around the nation, Get the Led Out recreates the mythic career of the legendary British supergroup, Led Zeppelin.

The attention to detail and nuance by these six accomplished musicians drive a two hour set of blues-soaked, groove-driven rock anthems, capturing the essence of the band’s hallowed discography.

EVENING SPONSOR: Clear Eye Photo

SERIES SPONSORS:

"One of the showpieces of 18th century comedy" — NEW YORK TIMES

National theater of London Hd Broadcast She Stoops to conquer

Saturday, March 31 • 1pm • The Historic Theater • Tickets: $27.50 Irish author Oliver Goldsmith wrote this ingenious comedy in 1773.

A young lady poses as a servant girl to win the heart of a young gentleman. Many hilarious plot turns take place as misdemeanors multiply, love blossoms, and mayhem ensues in this celebration of chaos, courtship, and the dysfunctional family.

SERIES SPONSOR: Seatrade International Company, Inc.

2 Spring Events for Sponsors!

Sneak PeEk of the 2012-2013 season thrilling lineup

1. Get over yourself! You are not the most important person in the room. It’s never about one person.

It’s about circumstances, other people, and the fact that the real problem is likely hiding within the symptoms.

Be the first to see our of arts and entertainment.

Presenting SPONSOR: The PlaneSense, Inc. Fractional Aircraft Program

Innovation & Leadership Forum: NEW for Corporate Sponsors!

The Music Hall’s corporate sponsors won’t want to miss this opportunity to attend a presentation about coaching with Ruth Mott, one of the Seacoast’s leading executive coaches and author of the new book: I Love You-Now Get Over Yourself: 7 Secrets for Professional Success from The Jewish Mother Executive Coach. The event will take place at The Music Hall Loft on Thursday, April 26, from 5:30 to 7:30, with networking time during check-in. Sponsors will receive invitations and can reserve up to six tickets each.

6

NOW

(603) 436-2400

2. When making choices, what’s important is not the particulars of the choice, but what you hope for yourself. When you know that, then— and only then—can you make the best choice.

3. My favorite secret is what I call the crisis of confidence. Most people don’t realize that only successful people have a crisis of confidence. It means you’ve been successful up to now and then you hit a wall. It’s not because you can’t do it, it’s because you need to reassess.

Book cover photo: Bill Truslow

Coaching for Success

Top Secrets

to Success

MARCH 29

How to Get Out of Your Own Way —

Ruth Mott’s

4. Standing above the crowd—whether for a new job, a promotion, or being considered as chairman of the board—is ALWAYS about outcomes, not process.

Community Partner Picks

Photo: Rich Beauchesne

Christopher Tierney, one of Broadway's Spidermen, thanks the crowd and congratulates scholarship winners with Seacoast Media Group's Howard Altschiller, executive editor, center, and John Tabor, publisher, at the 2011 Spotlight Awards at The Music Hall.

The Spotlight Awards shine a light on local talent at the 18th annual ceremony Each year, the artists and entertainers from the pages of Spotlight—Seacoast Media Group’s weekly entertainment magazine— gather for one fantastic night of celebration at The Music Hall. The Spotlight Awards are our version of the Oscars, Grammys, Tonys, and, with our recent addition of culinary prizes, “Top Chef.” And don’t forget the visual artists. They’re represented, too, with photographs of their work on the Seacoast’s largest screen. The Spotlight Awards shine a light on the incredible wealth of talent that calls the Seacoast area of New Hampshire and Southern Maine home, from full-on rock bands, to stars of the stage, to visual artists, to the chefs that create the artful meals in our vibrant restaurant community. As well, Seacoast Media Group is proud each year to present scholarships to two area high school students, to help further their education in pursuit of their artistic dreams. We couldn’t be prouder to help celebrate the Seacoast arts and entertainment scene, and

we encourage you to join us. From the first moments of mingling in the Historic Theater's luscious lobby during the Portsmouth Community Radio pre-show, to the last notes of the finale, we think you’ll be wowed. Speaking of finales, last year it was Sam Vlasich of Red Sky Mary channeling Dio—you’ll have to come to the 18th annual awards on April 19 to see who it is this year. See you at The Music Hall!

—J.L. Stevens, Spotlight Editor

Kent Stephens' Stage Force presents Lanford Wilson's Burn This March 2 - 18

Bombino performs in a benefit for RAIN April 5

Seacoast Media Group

Spotlight Awards

Thursday, April 19 • 7pm Jazz & poetry at Jazzmouth April 28

Introducing..

Singer Songwriters

23

Right this way, please..

TheMusicHall.org

NOW

7

Gold pass: $185 Primary seating & tickets to all shows (same seats for Historic Theater), access to Opening Night Feed & Post Festival Glow Party, VIP access to lobbies.

Silver pass: $135 Preferred seating, tickets to shows on Friday & Saturday, access to Post Festival Glow Party Bronze pass: $110 Preferred seating, tickets to shows on Saturday & Sunday, access to Opening Night Feed.

Limited number of passes on sale until Feb. 22. Individual tickets on sale to members Feb. 22; to public March 7.

8

NOW

(603) 436-2400

FESTIVAL SPONSOR:

Friday, April 20 å

Merle Haggard & the Strangers

8pm @ The Historic Theater Opener: Elsa Cross (also April 21 at the Loft) • Tickets: $78; $70 Three-time Grammy Winner, Country Hall of Famer, and 2010 Kennedy Center honoree Merle Haggard casts a far-reaching shadow. This legendary country balladeer has mastered the idiom at every level and written hundreds of songs, many of which have made their way to the top of the music charts. “He is the greatest country artist of our times.” — Rolling Stone

Saturday, April 21 å

The Farthest Forests/Brown Bird/The Felice Brothers/O’Death 7pm @ The Historic Theater • Tickets: $28; $22

The Farthest Forests, a Seacoast duo featuring Anne Marple on vocals and Peter Squires on multiple instruments, use imaginative lyrics and creative instrumentation to forge a unique folk sound that ranges from sparse and haunting to outright jubilant. “Playful and infectious’” —HillyTown.com Featured at last year’s Newport Folk Festival, Brown Bird offers harmonized voices, haunting lyrics, and diverse rhythm and instrumentation—often swelling into high-spirited, foot-stomping madness. “Brown Bird finally takes flight” —Boston Globe A raucous crew of folk rockers from the Catskill Mountains, The Felice Brothers musical journey has taken them from New York subway platforms to the main stages of SXSW, The Newport Folk Festival, and the Bonnaroo music festival. “Putting the outlaw spirit back into country music.” —Guardian UK Brooklyn based O’Death combines influences as diverse as Sonic Youth and old Civil War gospel, with sweet ukulele-driven melodies and punk energy.

“The sexiest Appalachian hardcore (or hardcore Appalachian) band north of the Mason-Dixon line…" —The Village Voice

DOUBLE BILL: Elsa Cross & Lucy Wainwright Roche 7:30pm @ The Music Hall Loft • Tickets: $15 at door A Portsmouth favorite now living and working in Austin, Texas, Elsa Cross says it was 1950s rock ‘n’ roll that led her to its roots in old country, where she found the songs of Patsy Cline, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, and the young Elvis Presley. “Reminiscent of the great Hank Williams but with the gusto of a tattooed rockabilly beat.” —Portsmouth Herald

A member of music family royalty, Lucy Wainwright Roche is a masterful performer with a voice that has been described as hauntingly angelic. Her tales of life as seen from the road create a unique tapestry that weaves the ordinary into the magical. “There’s no questioning her alluring potential as a songwriter.” —bbc.co.uk

Sunday, April 22 å

Round Robin of Singer Songwriters @ The Music Hall Loft 1pm - 6pm • Tickets: $10 at door A celebration of the vibrant Seacoast singer-songwriter scene, with each rising star act playing for 15 minutes.

Local music critic Christopher Hislop from Seacoast Media Group is the master of ceremonies.

Rosanne Cash

7:30pm @ The Historic Theater • Tickets: $47; $42 Grammy Award-winner Rosanne Cash (the eldest daughter of the late Johnny Cash) has had 11 #1 country hit singles, 21 Top-40 country hit singles, and two gold records. Her work spans many genres, including folk, rock, pop, and blues. She will be joined on stage by her singer songwriter husband, John Leventhal, for an acoustic duo set.

“Sublime singer, a terrific songwriter in her own right.” —Chicago Tribune TheMusicHall.org

NOW

9

Merle Haggard The legendary singer songwriter, who catapulted to stardom in the 1970s with his hit, "Okie From Muskogee" and went on to win every imaginable country music award, makes his Music Hall debut on April 20. Haggard and his band, The Strangers, will launch the first Portsmouth Singer Songwriter Festival. Deputy Director of Programming/Curator Thérèse LaGamma interviewed him to get the backstory on his colorful past, what continues to inspire his music, and why his messages are more relevant than ever. Read on to discover why Haggard is arguably the coolest superstar of Americana music.

Q: Why did you become a songwriter and musician?

A: Hunger was my inspiration—a hunger to be in a position where I wouldn't be going to the cotton patch every day to pick cotton for a living.

Q: You turned your life around after serving time in prison. Why, in 1969, did you decide to reveal your past on the Johnny Cash variety show?

A: I was already 10 years into my career, but no one knew I had been in prison.

Johnny Cash [who had played San Quentin in 1958, when Haggard was a 20-yearold inmate] talked me into admitting this on television. He said that if I told my own story, I would never be hurt in the tabloids. I didn't want to, but I so revered Johnny Cash that I listened to him. He told me, “it’s just owning up to it.”

Q: That same year saw the release of your legendary hit, "Okie from Muskogee." What is the message of this song, and is it still relevant today?

A: The main message is about pride. My father was an “Okie from Muskogee” when Okie was considered a four-letter word. The day after I wrote the song, we sang it on stage on a trial basis in the Fort Bragg, North Carolina officers club. Afterwards, audience members came up on the stage, took the mike from me, and said ‘there will never be another song here until you sing this song again.’ I had never had this strong of a reaction before. I think it became an anthem for people who were not being noticed or recognized in any way—the silent majority. It brought them pride. And today the song still speaks to conditions going on in this world.

Q: You have written scores of hit songs. What continues to inspire you?

A: I write from life—what I see occurring around me. I have a well rounded viewpoint because I travel the country by bus. I meet people from all over the United States and talk to them about their lives. I see the conditions in our cities, and I see if the politicians are keeping their promises—usually they’re not. So I draw from all of my travels, and from my experience; that's where the songs come from.

Q: You’ve won many awards including three Grammys, and in 2010 you were honored by The Kennedy Center. What stands out as your most memorable career highlight?

A: Hobnobbing with presidents is always impressive! But my night in Nashville in 1970 was unbeatable.

[He won Country Music Association Album of the Year, Entertainer of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, and Single of the Year.]

Q: You’ve seen highs and lows in the popularity of country music. Where does it stand today?

A: Country music has expanded since the 1970s and 1980s, to rival rock and roll. It is getting its point across and doing pretty good.

Q: We are excited about your Music Hall debut, with your longstanding band The Strangers. What can fans look forward to?

A: We do an ad lib show, with humor. My son Benny will be on lead guitar and the band has been playing together for 40-plus years. We have a repertoire of more than 100 songs that were in the top 100 charts over the years to draw from. My songs carry different messages: political, inspirational, nearly gospel. We cover a wide array of music and expect a diverse crowd!

10

NOW

(603) 436-2400

The Portsmouth Singer Songwriter Festival April 20 to 22 will be one unforgettable weekend—dedicated to celebrating the country roots, rockabilly, pathos, grit and guts of Americana Music, with full bands, solo, acoustic, and electric, all in collaboration and conversation. The artists are hard core cool, the epitome of the 21st century renewal of traditions with unique twists, from Merle Haggard and Rosanne Cash, to such fast-rising stars as the Felice Brothers, Brown Bird, and our own Portsmouth-to-Austin transplant, Elsa Cross.

So how to make the most out of the weekend? While there are single tickets to everything, it pays big to buy a pass: they come in Gold, Silver, and Bronze and are your insider tickets to events including concerts, parties, and the Round Robin. Welcome your guests on Friday afternoon with a coffee at Popovers and a stroll around Market Square while you pick up your passes at The Music Hall box office. Have a drink in the Loft and enjoy the opening party for Gold & Bronze Pass holders. Sleep in on Saturday morning because it’s going to be a wild Saturday night. Tie on the feedbag at 106 Kitchen with their kickin’ Fried Chicken or at Mojo’s BBQ with a slab of baby back ribs and corn bread, or stick to your New England roots and head to The Oar House for a cup of their award-winning clam and corn chowder. Then get ready to see the wild fiddles, hear the haunting lyrics, and enjoy the jam rockabilly and Appalachian sounds at the Historic Theater and the Loft. On Sunday morning, it’s all about brunch—Crab Benedict at Rudi’s or Short Rib Hash and Eggs at the River House. Then head over to the Loft for the Round Robin with Seacoast singer songwriters. Portsmouth’s best bartender Scot Johnson will be serving his famous Bloody Marys all day long at the Loft bar. That night, finish off with Rosanne Cash at the Historic Theater and mingle with guest artists and Music Hall curators at the party for Gold & Silver passholders at the Loft.

— Patricia Lynch

Moscow Festival Ballet: SLeeping Beauty

Sunday, April 1 • 4pm • The Historic Theater • Tickets: $50; $38

best seats, best prices, best parties!

Limited number of passes available – on sale NOW*

Gold pass: $185

Primary seating & tickets to all shows (same seats for Historic Theater), access to Opening Night Feed & Post Festival Glow Party, VIP access to lobbies.

Silver pass: $135

Preferred seating, tickets to shows on Friday & Saturday, access to Post Festival Glow Party.

Bronze pass: $110

Preferred seating, tickets to shows on Saturday & Sunday, access to Opening Night Feed. * Limited number of passes on sale until Feb. 22. Individual tickets on sale to members Feb. 22; to public March 7.

"Deserved ‘bravos’ within minutes of the opening steps."

— LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL

This timeless classic brings sumptous sets, exquisite costumes and spectacular dancers from across the Russias. Choreographed in strict association with Tchaikovsky's music, it tells the dramatic story of a young girl's coming of age and the triumph of good over evil.

EVENING SPONSORS: Holloway Automotive Group; Capezio-Ballet Makers Dance Foundation; Best Western Wynwood Hotel & Suites

Soul of the Sahara: A benefit concert for RAIN featuring BOMBINO

Wednesday, April 5 • 8pm • The Historic Theater • Tickets: $35

International sensation Bombino gives a rare U.S. performance to benefit Rain for the Sahel and Sahara (RAIN). Don't miss this voice of the new Tuareg generation and his wholly unique West African sound that has captured the world. All proceeds go to support RAIN’s work in Niger.

TheMusicHall.org

NOW

11

The Met @ The Music Hall: Manon

Saturday, April 7 • 12pm • The Historic Theater • Tickets: $27.50

"Massenet's sad, sensuous masterpiece."

— THE GUARDIAN

In Massenet's masterpiece, Anna Netrebko’s dazzling portrayal of the tragic heroine in Laurent Pelly’s new production travels to the Met from the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. Piotr Beczala and Paulo Szot also star, with the Met’s Principal Guest Conductor Fabio Luisi on the podium.

SERIES SPONSORS: The Senior Times

Writers in the loft: James B. Stewart

"Hugely engaging." — NY TIMES

Thursday, April 12 • 7pm • The Music Hall Loft • $31, $28 members Includes reserved seat, book ($17.00), bar beverage; author presentation, Q+A, book signing & meet-and-greet.

The Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, former Page One editor at the Wall Street Journal, and bestselling author of Den of Thieves, joins us with his much-heralded book about lying, Tangled Webs. Stewart will be in conversation with philosopher Michael Lynch, author of four books on truth. Join us for this fascinating evening – a look at the social, moral, and political consequences of the perjury epidemic.

Rescheduled: Henry Louis Gates, Jr. visits with Life Upon These Shores Mon., April 16 at The Music Hall Loft, 7pm. More info: TheMusicHall.org "Worth a read by all Americans..." — HOUSTON CHRONICLE SERIES SPONSOR:

The Met @ The Music Hall: La Traviata

Saturday, April 14 • 1pm • The Historic Theater • Tickets: $27.50 Natalie Dessay stars in Willy Decker’s stunning production of Verdi's masterpiece, in her first Violetta at the Met. Matthew Polenzani sings Alfredo, Dmitri Hvorostovsky is Germont, and Principal Guest Conductor Fabio Luisi is on the podium.

SERIES SPONSORS: The Senior Times

EVENING SPONSORS: RiverWoods at Exeter; Avery Insurance Agency; Tate & Foss Sotheby's International Realty; Cambridge Trust Company of New Hampshire

Hilarity @ The Music Hall: Ron White The Moral Compass Tour

Wednesday, April 18 • 7:30pm • The Historic Theater Opening Act TBD • Tickets: $78; $65

Best known as the cigar smoking, scotch drinking funnyman from the "Blue Collar Comedy" phenomenon. But with two Grammy nominations, a Gold Record, two of the top rated one-hour specials in Comedy Central history, a book that appeared on The New York Times Best Seller List, and CD and DVD sales of over 10 million copies, Ron has established himself as a star in his own right. For Mature audiences.

SERIES SPONSORS: Kennebunk Savings Bank; WHEB EVENING SPONSOR: Margaritas Restaurant 12 NOW

(603) 436-2400

"Verdi's beloved music."

— NEW YORK TIMES

Opera Circle

Sat., April 14 11:30-12:45 • The Loft Tickets: $14 includes light breakfast fare

5

y d a e r l A t ’ n id D Things You hite Know About Ron W

1. He has received two Grammy Award Nominations.

2. He once sold windows for a living in Arlington, Texas.

3. His 2003 movie Blue Collar Comedy Tour,

with Jeff Foxworthy, Bill Engvall, and Larry the Cable Guy, ranks as the highest rated film ever shown on Comedy Central.

4. He is often called Ron “Tater Salad” White, after

his first one-hour Comedy Central special They Call Me Tater Salad. The companion DVD went on to sell 1.4 million copies.

5. He recently played a supporting role in the New

Line Cinema comedy, Horrible Bosses.

JAZZMOUTH PRESENTS: JAZZMOUTH

Saturday, April 28 • 7:30pm • The Music Hall Loft • Tickets: $17 The seventh year features an amazing array of poetry, music and film. Featuring Beat legend David Amram (composer/multi-instrumentalist, Kerouac collaborator), Eric Mingus (bass/spoken word genius), world-renowned poet XJ Kennedy, Larry Simon Ensemble, Lawrence Kraman (director) and special guests representing the finest poets in New England. Full festival schedule at jazzmouth.org 3pm film screening: “David Amram, the First 80 Years.”

Amram and director Lawrence Kraman will be present. Tickets: $5

Andover Chamber Music

Sunday, April 29 • 2pm & 4pm • The Music Hall Loft • Tickets: $35 The Age of Reason shares the stage with the Romantic Era in "Sense and Sensibility," a program of works for flute and strings by Mozart, Beethoven, and a surprise finale by Rossini. This concert will feature artists from Andover Chamber Music, now celebrating its 15th anniversary season of bringing concerts that are “unstuffy, unpredictable, and unmatched” to the Merrimack Valley, which has earned its reputation as a jewel in the cultural landscape north of Boston. "a precious asset to Boston's cultural life...vibrant performances."

– Robert Levin, Harvard University

TheMusicHall.org

NOW

13

Kitchens we love There’s a good reason why folks come back year after year to The Music Hall’s largest and longest-running fundraiser, the Kitchen Tour. “People know they will see many unique residential kitchens,” says Meghan Durkee, Corporate and Special Events Manager. “Each is chosen for its one-of-a-kind qualities, and we aim for a variety of modern, traditional, and historical design styles.

Prepare to be wowed, and also to pick up many practical ideas for your own home.”

This year, the Kitchen Tour takes place on Saturday, May 5 in the scenic island town of New Castle. For the first time, a continuous loop of trolleys will transport an expected 1,000 to 1,500 guests from marked parking lots on the map to several drop-off locations, where guests can walk to clusters of homes.

The self-guided tour begins at 10am and ends at 3pm. “You can begin the tour from any parking lot listed on the map. The trolley will pick you up and drop you off at several spots along the tour that are within walking distance of all homes,” explains Durkee. It’s smart to purchase tickets in advance (at the Box Office or online at TheMusicHall.org), because maps will be mailed to those early ticket buyers a week before the tour. In addition, participants can pick up a guidebook in the first house they visit (guidebooks will be available in each of the homes) that includes details about the kitchens, as well as information on all of the artisans, designers, and architects responsible for the design and décor. “Your tools for the tour are your map, your guidebook, and a pair of provided hospital booties to wear over your shoes,” says Durkee.

When it's time to dine, check your map to identify some great area restaurants—grab a bite for lunch in New Castle and head to Portsmouth for dinner and Cinco de Mayo celebrations.

“The Kitchen Tour is a perfect way to enjoy a spring Saturday in the Seacoast, and help to support The Music Hall," says Durkee. "We can't wait to welcome our guests this year!"

—Regina Baraban The Kitchen Tour is brought to you with the help of our generous sponsors— see the list of these vital community businesses online at TheMusicHall.org.

Photo: www.gregwestphotography.com

Join us on May 5 for a privileged look at the unique kitchens of New Castle

“Each kitchen is chosen for its one-of-a-kind qualities.”

– Meghan Durkee

21st annual

Kitchen tour

May 5, 2012 • 10am - 3pm

Tickets: $23 members; $25 non-members; $27 day of

All Aboard!

The Kitchen Tour is made possible by the generosity of wonderful sponsors like Regal Limousine Service, which is donating a spanking new trolley (left), to transport guests from designated parking lots to drop-off locations. Regal was founded by Richard, DeeDee, and Paul Ford with one vehicle in 1983, and now operates a fleet of 40 that serves the Seacoast and Manchester area with private transportation for corporate and personal use. The Ford family has been a proud supporter of The Music Hall from the outset, says Senior Vice President Paul S. Ford. “The Music Hall is truly a community treasure and we enjoy the relationship we have in providing transportation for performers and events that require our type of service,” he says. The new 26-seat trolley has heating and air conditioning, a refreshing lack of advertising billboards—and, as with all Regal vehicles, a chauffeur-trained driver. For more information, call 1-800-709-3500 or go to www.regallimo.com.

14

NOW

(603) 436-2400

Kitchen Design in 2012

— TIPS & TRENDS —

The Music Hall Director of Marketing Kathleen Soldati recently worked with Dovetailed Kitchens president Scott Purswell on the design of her new kitchen. “I’m not sure what we appreciate more—how beautiful it is, or how easy it is to work in,” she says. She got the skinny from Scott on what’s new in kitchen design and what you should be aware of—and look out for—when you embark on a renovation or new design. His insider tips follow:

EDITOR'S PICKS ! g n i r p s this

1

Like fashion, some trends work for the long term and some are more transient.

I’m seeing much more use of dark, rich-colored finishes with such names as Espresso, Cappuccino, or Tuscan. Wall paint colors are all over the place, but in New England, they still lean toward more conservative and timeless shades. Simple white/off white cabinetry and timehonored woods will always be classic.

“Green” and “sustainable” are influencing so much of what we do.

There are all kinds of new choices in countertops like recycled glass, quartz, and hybrid plantation-grown woods. The same goes for floors with more bamboo, cork, and recycled materials. I encourage a fun use of wall and paint colors—paint is relatively easy and reasonably priced to change. However, on the color and finish of cabinets, I like to nudge for a bit more conservative choices. If you’re asking about paint, who cares, just repaint. But it’s not so easy or economical with Ferrari red cabinetry!

If you’re looking to maximize a small space, light colors help the room feel larger.

Also, use some open storage, such as cabinets with glass doors.

It’s critical to balance how the space is used.

Often clients get stuck on maximizing storage cabinetry when more work space would serve them better. It’s easier to adjust to less storage than not having enough space to actually prepare meals. It’s also critical to ensure the work process and flow is carefully considered and designed.

2 3

At the start of the design process, think about how you want your kitchen to “feel.”

Photo: Regina Baraban

Are there any specific design elements you want to use? And, my bottom line—identify your target budget: It’s best to consider this early since it influences so many things and clarifies your choices.

Kitchen Tour Committee Back row: Cori McGrath, Meghan Durkee, Kirsten Mahoney, Dominique Jackson Front row: Co-Chair Ann Kendall, Philip Marcus, Co-Chair Betsy Cole, Scott Purswell Not pictured: Jo Ann Hampson, Julia Madden, Pete Squires

4

See star Natalie Dessay take on the role of Violetta in everyone's favorite opera La Traviata, in The Met @ The Music Hall, April 14.

Enjoy classical music—in the Loft for the first time— with Andover Chamber Music in a program of works for flute and strings, April 29.

Join fellow book lovers at a May 18 benefit for the celebrated Writers on a New England Stage series with famed author Dan Brown.

Hear the New York Times bestselling author and Pulitzer Prize winner Anna Quindlen talk about her new book in Writers on a New England Stage on May 23.

TheMusicHall.org

NOW

15

Writers on a NeW England Stage ERIK LARSON

Tuesday, May 8 • 7:30 pm • The Historic Theater • Tickets: $13 The master of narrative nonfiction takes the stage to discuss his New York Times bestseller In the Garden of Beasts ($16 paperback, $14.60 in advance with voucher).

ANNA QUINDLEN

Wednesday, May 23 • 7:30 pm • The Historic Theater • Tickets: $13 New York Times bestselling author, Pulitzer Prize winner, and author of A Short Guide to a Happy Life joins us with her new memoir, Lots of Candles, Plenty of Cake ($26 hardcover, $23.40 in advance with voucher).

SERIES PARTNERS:

SERIES SPONSORS: Calypso Communications; New England Audio Tech; Piscataqua Landscaping Company, Inc.; RMC Research Corporation; EVENING SPONSOR: Popovers on the Square Haunted Milk Design

“A marvelous writer” – NY TIMES BOOK REVIEW

“Astonishingly graceful writer” – SAN FRANCISCO EXAMINER

Ben Baldwin & the Big Note

Saturday, May 12 • 8pm • The Music Hall Loft Tickets: $32 (includes one house beverage)

The Big Note has been a fixture on the Seacoast music scene since 1976, playing its classy and soulful dance music at all manner of community events: bars, weddings, fundraisers, clambakes. The band features Kent Allyn, Ray Brunelle, Milt Reder, and Jesse Williams.

AN EVENING WITH DAN BROWN

“Master of smart thrills” – PEOPLE MAGAZINE

A Benefit & Celebration of Writers on a New England Stage

Friday, May 18 • 7:30pm • The Historic Theater • Benefit Tickets: $50 Gather with book lovers from across New England to support this phenomenal series and hear the international bestselling author talk about writing, movie making, science, religion, and more. Help The Music Hall and NHPR bring you today's top authors—Ann Patchett to Chris Matthews, Jodi Picoult to the late John Updike, Elizabeth Gilbert to Stephen King. Dan Brown says, "As a big fan of both The Music Hall and NHPR, I'm honored to help celebrate two organizations of such great local importance." A limited number of discounted community outreach tickets will be made available in May.

Kids RULE! Justin Roberts and the Not Ready for Naptime Players

Sunday, May 20 • 3pm • The Historic Theater • Tickets: $19, $14

With numerous national awards and recognition and a devoted fan base, Justin Roberts and his band dish out intelligent and whimsically rocking music for kids and their parents. Justin Roberts is truly one of the “all-stars” of the indie family music scene.

EVENING SPONSORS: PixelMEDIA, Inc.; Isle of Shoals Steamship Company

16

NOW

(603) 436-2400

“The Buddy Holly of the kids’ world.”

– Time Out NY Kids

Love films?

Give the Advocate level ($95) a try and get two complimentary film passes.

Love Writers?

Upgrade to the Backer level ($1,000) and get invitations to all Writers on a New England Stage VIP backstage receptions.

Members!

MAY celebrates

Love something extra?

Each May we have special offers for new or upgrading members. Stay tuned for the perks you'll receive for upgrading your membership this year.

As you already know, being a Music Hall member has its benefits, beyond contributing to our lively Seacoast culture.

You can buy tickets to Music Hall Presents events before nonmembers. You’re always the first to know about newly scheduled shows by receiving our NOW quarterly magazine (what you're reading now!), monthly calendar, and e-news. You get discounts around town by flashing your member card—and you get connected to like-minded people.

So, why is May membership month? Each May we unveil the upcoming Music Hall season to our members first (look for your Summer quarterly in mid-May)...and you have the ability to buy your tickets for the year, weeks before the general public. This year the season goes on sale to members June 2nd—make sure you have a current membership!

At right, we have some great reasons to upgrade your membership this year. As always, thanks for the support!

Love supporting the arts?

Membership at any level is a donation—feel good about giving big to the arts in your community!

– Lauren Lenox Maguire

MEMBER SNAPSHOT

Jo Ann Hampson, Realtor, Keller Williams Coastal Realty, and David Hampson, President & CEO of Willis Programs and President of the board of the New Hampshire Art Association, became stakeholder members of The Music Hall when they moved to Portsmouth in 2011.

All photos this page: David Murray/Clear Eye Photo

Jo Ann & David Hampson

Portsmouth, NH

NOW: What is the biggest benefit of your Music Hall membership?

Being able to purchase tickets before they go on sale to the general public—this allows us to get the best possible seats for each performance!

NOW: What was your favorite Music Hall performance in the past year?

The Leahy Family Christmas show, a beautiful collection of holiday music and dance performed by the brothers, sisters, and children of the Leahy family. It was a festive way to begin the holiday season.

NOW: What do you like best about seeing a performance or writer at the Loft?

The Loft provides a modern, intimate venue that allows you to feel connected to the performance. We also enjoy its enticing food and beverage selection!

TheMusicHall.org

NOW

17

SEEN @ THE MUSIC HALL Vintage

t p Marke U p o P istmas

chr

Visitors enjoyed the opening of The Music Hall's Vintage Christmas Pop-Up Market in December.

LEARN EXPLORE + IN REACH WITH ARTS

Here's Virginia with an AIR participant and comedian Lily Tomlin!

For the 2011-2012 season, The Music Hall welcomed Arts in Reach as the first Explore + Learn Partner of the Year, connecting the AIR girls to artists and arts-educational opportunities. The Music Hall's Deputy Director of Programming Thérèse LaGamma and Programming Coordinator Chris Curtis chatted with Arts in Reach Executive Director Virginia Parks Skevington about AIR and about the yearlong collaboration.

NOW: What is the mission of Arts in Reach?

VS: Since 1997, AIR’s mission has been to empower young women through mentoring and the arts. We focus on teens ages 13 to 18 from Strafford and Rockingham Counties, most of whom are under-served or at risk. In 2011, we worked with nearly 100 teenage girls and offered more than 150 opportunities in our performance and visual arts programming.

NOW: What have been the highlights of The Music Hall partnership for the AIR girls?

VS: The Music Hall has been so generous to AIR, inviting our girls to all types of performances and involving them in the behind-the-scenes work of the stage as well as holding exclusive Q&As with the artists. A group of our teens had the chance to see how a pre-show sound check is run, when they visited the cast of “Women Fully Clothed” in October, and to ask questions of the group of seasoned comedians.

Our AIR teens had quite an experience at the Brandi Carlile show (in photo above right), relating to her soulful ballads and then meeting with the star. After seeing Lily Tomlin perform live, one of our girls went backstage to meet the headliner, declared that she was Tomlin’s youngest fan, and got a big hug. These interactions have had a lasting impression on all of us! And we’re all looking forward to the AIR/Music Hall Career Day March 6. The female leaders at The Music Hall are role models for our girls, and we hope that they come away knowing that no person, circumstance, or background defines them.

18

NOW

(603) 436-2400

Photos: David Murray/Clear Eye Photo

NOW: Why is it so important for teenage girls to connect to the arts, especially today?

VS: As we all know, sadly the arts in schools have been cut left and right at the national level. As a result, teens are not being encouraged to express themselves in the arts or realize their latent talents. The intrinsic value of art is something we must preserve. Through performance and visual arts, a student becomes involved in observation, discussion, analysis, critical thinking, and problem-solving—all crucial to a young person’s intellectual development. We also introduce AIR teens to the endless avenues that one’s love and appreciation for the arts can lead to through advanced studies as well as professional careers.

PURCHASING TICKETS! ONLINE TheMusicHall.org

BY PHONE (603) 436-2400 IN PERSON 28 Chestnut Street, Portsmouth, NH 03801 ORDER FORM

Available for pick up at our Box Office or call (603) 436-2400 and our staff will mail you one free of charge. Forms may be dropped off at the Box Office or mailed to the address above.

Membership BENEFITS Friend $50 – $94

• Advanced purchases for Music Hall Presents performances • Home delivery of NOW @ The Music Hall • Receipt of E-news • Season Playbill recognition • Invitation to members-only events • Discounts on tickets to Music Hall benefit events • Discounts at local restaurants and merchants

Advocate $95 – $149 Friend level benefits plus…

• Two complimentary film passes (valid for the Historic Theater and the Loft) • 10% discount on Music Hall Presents performances at the Historic Theater and the Loft

Contributor $150 – $249 Advocate level benefits plus…

• Two additional complimentary film passes – total of four • A voucher for four to a Historical Tour of The Music Hall

Supporter $250 – $499 Contributor level benefits plus…

• Two complimentary tickets for a Kids RULE! or Writers on a New England Stage performance

Patron $500 – $999 Supporter level benefits plus…

• A voucher for Music Hall Presents performances (up to $75 value) • Two passes to attend a Writers on a New England Stage VIP Reception • Invite to the annual Sneak Peek of upcoming season Backer $1,000 – $2,499 Patron level benefits plus…

• Invitations to all Writers on a New England Stage VIP Receptions • Vouchers for Music Hall Presents performances (up to $150 value) • 20% discount on Music Hall Presents performances • Two Advocate gift memberships • 10% discount on Founders Lobby reception rentals

Founder $2,500 – $4,999 Backer level benefits plus…

• A voucher for Music Hall Presents performances (up to $150 value) or two Weekend Passes for Telluride by the Sea • Two additional Advocate gift memberships – total of four • Additional 10% discount on Founders Lobby reception rentals (total of 20%) Stakeholder $5,000+ Founder level benefits plus…

• Concierge ticket service • Reception and preferred seating for Stakeholder Soiree events • Invitation to Stakeholders’ Annual Round Table • Additional 5% discount on Founders Lobby rentals (total of 25%)

Box Office INFORMATION

28 Chestnut Street, Portsmouth, NH 03801 • (603) 436-2400 HOURS: 12 noon to 6pm, Monday – Saturday, closed federal holidays.

On performance days – open until 30 minutes after curtain time.

For Sunday performances – open 2 hours before curtain time.

For film walk-up sales – open 30 minutes before film.

The Loft Box Box Office opens 1 hour before live shows; 30 minutes before films.

TICKET SALES All major credit cards are accepted. Tickets may be purchased in the following manner: Online: Visit www.tickets.themusichall.org anytime. Online orders incur a $4/ticket nonrefundable order charge for tickets $10+ (.50 under $10).

By Phone: Call (603) 436-2400 during Box Office hours. Phone orders incur a $4/ticket nonrefundable order charge for tickets $10+ (.50 under $10, maximum phone charge $20.00).

In Person: Visit the Box Office in the lower lobby of the Historic Theater at 28 Chestnut Street. No order charges.

By Mail: Send show & payment info to: The Music Hall Box Office, 28 Chestnut Street, Portsmouth, NH 03801. No order charges.

ORDER CHARGES: There are fees. Of course no one likes paying fees, but the fees help cover the costs of operating a full Box Office. If The Music Hall used an outside ticketing agency, fees would be much higher - the industry-standard is between $10 and $17 per ticket. Not to mention that you’d be talking to someone in a call center located somewhere other than Portsmouth!

DISCOUNTS: Discounted tickets for Music Hall Presents events may be available to members, children (under 12), students, and seniors 60+.

LAST CALL TICKETS: When available, discounted tickets for Music Hall Presents events may be purchased on a “first come, first served” basis at the Box Office, 15 minutes prior to curtain time. Not applicable to special events, Intimately Yours, Kids RULE!, Writers, The Met, National Theater of London, cinema, and events not presented by The Music Hall.

GIFT CERTIFICATES: Available in any denomination at the Box Office, redeemable toward any Music Hall Presents event only. Gift Certificates and credits must be redeemed during Box Office hours in person, over the phone, or via mail. Gift certificates and credits cannot be redeemed online, and are not valid toward events presented by other organizations.

REFUNDS & EXCHANGES: Tickets to a Music Hall Presents event may be returned to the Box Office no later than 48 hours before the event only for a credit toward another Music Hall Presents event.

Within 48 hours of an event, tickets may be returned to the Box Office as a tax-deductible donation to The Music Hall. There are no refunds or exchanges for non-Music Hall Presents events. If a performance is canceled or postponed, a full refund of the printed ticket price will be available through the Box Office (phone and internet service charges are non-refundable).

WEATHER: The Music Hall does NOT close for inclement weather, and does not give refunds or exchanges to those unable to attend an event because of weather. The Music Hall does everything in its power to remain open for all performances. If the performers are in-house, the show goes on. The only exception is if the Governor of New Hampshire declares a state of emergency.

PARKING: The Music Hall does not offer private parking, however a drop-off area located at the corner of Chestnut St. & Porter St. provides access to the Historic Theater lobby. The Portsmouth Parking Garage is located on Hanover Street two blocks over (with additional entrances on Fleet and Ladd streets), a short walk to both the Historic Theater and The Music Hall Loft.

ACCESSIBILITY: The Historic Theater is a multi-level facility. A staffed elevator provides direct access to the theater’s orchestra level, which also includes the concessions lobby (stairs lead to the balcony from the orchestra level). Accessible restrooms are located in the lower lobby. The Historic Theater is equipped with a small number of FM hearing assist devices available to patrons who are hard of hearing, and can be checked out at the Box Office (when available) the day of the event. The Music Hall Loft is also a multi-level facility with an elevator that leads to accessible restrooms on the lower level.

Both theaters: Wheelchair seating may be available; a limited amount of accessible seating is available to patrons with disabilities and their guests. Our staff makes every effort to assist and accommodate all patrons. Please enquire when reserving seats. For specific ticket or access information, please call the Box Office at 603-436-2400. The Music Hall thanks the Rye Lions for providing a wheelchair for use by our patrons at the Historic Theater. Please make special seating requests when ordering tickets.

Music Hall Box Office Makes it Easy: Today, more and more theaters are turning to corporate ticketing agencies to manage their Box Office operations off site. Bucking this national trend, The Music Hall is committed to maintaining a full service in-house Box Office. What does that mean for you as a patron? First and foremost, our Box Office staff will help you select seats that are best for what you desire and provide you with information you need to know. Second, they live here in the Seacoast so they can provide directions, recommend local restaurants, hotels, places to park, and other area attractions. Finally, our staff can mail your tickets at no extra charge - a great convenience since many other theaters charge for shipping tickets.

TheMusicHall.org

NOW

19

at a Glance Programming & Shows 2012*

Date

March 2012

3

Nat'l Theatre of London HD

9

Altan

The Comedy of Errors

Saturday, March 3 • 1pm Friday, March 9 • 8pm

5

21st Annual

8

Writers on a New England Stage

Kitchen Tour

Saturday, May 5 • 10am-3pm

Erik Larson

Tuesday, May 8 • 7:30pm

10

Sandra Bernhard

12

Ben Baldwin & The Big Note

23

Intimately Yours

18

An Evening with Dan Brown

31

Nat'l Theatre of London HD

20

Kids RULE! Justin Roberts and the Not

23

Writers on a New England Stage

Saturday, March 10 • 8pm

Get the Led Out

Friday, March 23 • 8pm

She Stoops to Conquer

Saturday, March 31 • 1pm

April 2012

1

Moscow Festival Ballet: Sleeping Beauty

7

Met @ The Music Hall

Sunday, April 1 • 4pm

Manon (Massenet)

Saturday, April 7 • 12pm

12

Writers in the Loft:

14

Met @ The Music Hall

16

Writers in the Loft

18

Hilarity @ The Music Hall

20

Portsmouth Singer Songwriter Festival

21

Portsmouth Singer Songwriter Festival

James B. Stewart

Thursday, April 12 • 7pm

1

A Benefit for Writers on a NE Stage Friday, May 18 • 7:30pm

Ready for Naptime Players

Sunday, May 20 • 3pm

Anna Quindlen

Wednesday, May 23 • 7:30pm

June 2012

Hilarity @ The Music Hall

Irish Comedy Tour

June 1 & 2 • 7:30pm & 9pm

14

Writers in the Loft

Alison Bechdel

Thursday, June 14 • 7:30pm

Henry Louis Gates, Jr.

Monday, April 16 • 7pm

Ron White

Wednesday, April 18 • 7:30pm

Merle Haggard

Friday, April 20 • 8pm

The Farthest Forests/Brown Bird/ The Felice Brothers/O'Death

21 22

Portsmouth Singer Songwriter Festival

22

Portsmouth Singer Songwriter Festival

29

Andover Chamber Music

Elsa Cross/Lucy Wainwright Roche Saturday, April 21 • 7:30pm

Round Robin: Seacoast Singer Songwriters Sunday, April 22 • 1pm - 6pm

Rosanne Cash

Sunday, April 22 • 7:30pm Sunday, April 29 • 2pm & 4pm

Key

Saturday, April 14 • 1pm

Portsmouth Singer Songwriter Festival

(603) 436-2400

Date

Saturday, May 12 • 8pm

La Traviata (Verdi)

Saturday, April 21 • 7pm

NOW

May 2012

Hilarity @ The Music Hall

Date

20

Date

@ The Loft @The Historic Theater

Introducing...

The Music Hall's Innovation & Leadership INITiative

This new initiative highlights the importance of continually reinventing ourselves for 21st century life — new technology, sustainability, corporate stewardship, etc. Watch for future events!

Join us for 2 events this Spring!

• Thursday, March 22 • 5:30pm • The Loft

Digital Portsmouth: The Art of Print in the Digital Age

• Thursday, April 26 • 5:30pm • The Loft

For Corporate Partners: Coaching for Success (see pg. 6)

*As of January 20, 2012. Visit TheMusicHall.org for updated listings—new shows added throughout the season!

The Music Hall’s Quarterly Magazine

Friends of The Music Hall 28 Chestnut Street Portsmouth, NH 03801

Portsmouth Singer-Songwriter Festival, April 20-22

Rosanne Cash page 9

Spring 2012